The way successful TV shows are made has drastically changed with the rise of streaming, especially for hour-long dramas and expensive, genre-focused series. This shift is even affecting movies, which have been struggling to maintain their original quality lately. It’s become incredibly difficult to predict what audiences will enjoy, as demonstrated by the recent cancellation of…
Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV shows demonstrate how much television has evolved. His popular Westerns have reignited audience interest in the genre over the past five years, something that wasn’t as common before. However, as Netflix recently showed, even a good concept doesn’t guarantee success.
The Abandons‘ Cancellation Proves That Not Everyone Can Make Popular TV Westerns
Many have tried to revive TV Westerns for a new audience, but it’s clear people have specific expectations for the genre. There used to be a time when marketing could focus solely on genre preferences, targeting specific groups. However, the recent performance of Westerns on Paramount+ shows that those days are over.
I’ve noticed that people seem to care more about a good story than the specific genre it falls into. What really gets them excited is a familiar name or a brand they already love – you see that a lot with big movie franchises. There have always been good Westerns on TV, even before and after the success of Yellowstone. Shows like Deadwood and Justified were fantastic early on, and more recently, things like Longmire, Godless, and American Primeval have kept the genre alive. It’s proven that a strong story, combined with a recognizable brand, really resonates with viewers.
While many new shows are being made, not all of them attract a large audience, and the success of Yellowstone has made it even harder for them to stand out. Netflix learned this recently with The Abandons, released in late 2025, which was canceled after only one season. Created by Kurt Sutter and featuring Lena Headey (known from Game of Thrones), the show was expected to be a hit, but it ultimately failed to gain traction.
Yellowstone Has Changed the Landscape for What Audiences Prefer to Watch On TV
Before Yellowstone, Westerns and similar shows typically appealed to a smaller, dedicated audience. But Yellowstone and its related series have changed that. Viewers now expect a higher quality of storytelling in the Western genre, specifically the kind created by Taylor Sheridan. The success of Yellowstone and every show he’s made since proves that his approach really resonates with audiences.
While Westerns aren’t always a sure bet, consistently delivering a specific feel – including similar themes, tone, visual style, and actors – can build a dedicated audience. If successful, this approach could create a franchise as popular as some of the biggest entertainment properties today. The Abandons was a well-made Western series that did just that, featuring strong performances, a compelling story, and a classic Western vibe.
Despite its strengths, the series didn’t become popular, primarily because it didn’t quite connect with what viewers today are looking for. Capturing a modern audience is challenging, and while original ideas can sometimes break through, most successful shows rely on established brands or popular existing properties. Taylor Sheridan deserves a lot of recognition for building an audience from the ground up – it’s a traditional approach that continues to be key for a show’s success.
The Abandons Had All the Pieces But Failed to Obtain Its Audience
Like many streaming services today, Netflix is trying to discover the formula for creating hit shows. With The Abandons, it seems they attempted to capitalize on the popularity of Westerns, hoping to replicate the success of Yellowstone. Because streaming platforms are cautious about taking chances, and historical dramas like The Abandons are expensive to produce, the show lacked a dedicated audience and was ultimately cancelled after receiving low viewership.
The show actually had a lot going for it – a built-in fanbase thanks to the creator and some of the actors. However, production issues likely turned some dedicated fans away. Kurt Sutter, who created the popular show Sons of Anarchy, was the driving creative force behind The Abandons, but disagreements with Netflix led to him leaving the project before it was finished.
Sutter has a track record of developing successful and expandable franchises. The show also featured a strong cast, led by Lena Headey, with potential for further development. Despite having many promising elements, Netflix’s decision to cancel the series seems to have misjudged audience interest. It’s possible viewers aren’t interested in Westerns unless they’re connected to Taylor Sheridan’s work.
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2026-02-18 07:08